How To Stop Dripping Bathroom Sink Faucet

How to Stop a Dripping Bathroom Sink Faucet

A dripping bathroom sink faucet is one of the most common home plumbing issues, and it can be both annoying and costly. Dripping water can waste gallons of water a month, and it can also lead to mold and mildew growth. Fortunately, it is relatively easy to stop a dripping faucet, and most repairs can be done in just a few minutes with a few simple tools.

Causes of a Dripping Faucet

There are several possible causes of a dripping faucet, including:

Worn or damaged washer: The washer is a small rubber or plastic seal that creates a watertight seal between the faucet stem and the body of the faucet. Over time, the washer can become worn or damaged, allowing water to leak past it.
Faulty or loose O-rings: O-rings are small rubber seals that create a watertight seal between different components of the faucet. If an O-ring is faulty or loose, it can allow water to leak past it.
Corroded or damaged faucet seat: The faucet seat is the surface that the washer or O-ring seals against. If the faucet seat is corroded or damaged, it can allow water to leak past it.
Loose faucet handle: If the faucet handle is loose, it can allow water to leak around the base of the handle.
Clogged aerator: The aerator is the small screen that is attached to the end of the faucet spout. If the aerator is clogged, it can restrict the flow of water and cause the faucet to drip.

Fixing a Dripping Faucet

Most dripping faucets can be fixed in just a few minutes with a few simple tools. The following steps outline how to stop a dripping faucet:

Turn off the water supply to the faucet. There are usually two shut-off valves under the sink, one for the hot water and one for the cold water. Turn both valves clockwise to close them.
Open the faucet to release any remaining water from the lines.
Remove the aerator. The aerator is usually attached to the end of the faucet spout with a wrench or pliers. Unscrew the aerator and clean it with a toothbrush or a vinegar solution.
Tighten the faucet handle. If the faucet handle is loose, tighten it with a wrench or pliers.
Replace the washer or O-rings. The washer or O-rings are usually located under the handle or inside the faucet body. Remove the old washer or O-rings and replace them with new ones.
Replace the faucet seat. If the faucet seat is corroded or damaged, it will need to be replaced. Remove the old faucet seat and install a new one.
Turn on the water supply and check for leaks. Open the shut-off valves under the sink and turn on the faucet. Check for any leaks around the handle, spout, or base of the faucet.

If you are not comfortable performing any of these repairs yourself, you can call a plumber for assistance.